1 mins
Adventures of a Sustainability WARRIOR
Anne Veck remains at the inspiring forefront of sustainability, diversity and salon ownership
What has been your career journey so far?
I started my hairdressing training in Paris and then decided to make the move to London in 1986, which was when my career really began; I gained experience across various salons in London, Surrey, and Oxfordshire. I opened my own salon in Oxford in 2001, and my second in Bicester in 2010. We took the jump to becoming more sustainable in 2013 and refitted the Oxford salon, with the Bicester salon following in 2016. I have had a fantastic career, from doing my first Alternative Hair Show in 2009, to being a British Hairdressing Awards finalist 18 times, to working all over the world, and creating Salon RE:Source in lockdown.
What do you love about being a salon owner?
I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful hairdressers over the years; being a salon owner has been truly rewarding and now, with the recent sale of the salon, I am excited to give someone else the opportunity to step into the owner shoes and watch their career grow.
Why do you think it’s so important for salons to act on sustainability?
Because we all share the same world, and we are currently living outside the planetary boundaries. It’s not just salons, it’s everyone. If we don’t act now, then we are looking at a very difficult future. Salons can do so much by reducing, reusing, and recycling to make a big and positive difference.
What sustainable challenges did you face?
The main challenge was finding sustainable manufactured styling positions and backwashes back in 2013. For our Bicester refit, we used second-hand material and furniture, and this worked for styling positions, waiting area and tables.
What’s the next step for Anne Veck?
I will always work in the salon because I love my clients. I’m also committed to helping stylists work with all hair types – I’m working with Avlon and Davines on education. And lots of hair shows! It’s good to be presenting live again.
2001: Opened first salon in Oxford
2007: #BHA first time finalist
2013: Became a sustainable salon
2020: Created Salon RE:Source